O’Brien hoping for third time lucky with Valedictum

Danny O'Brien will be hoping for third time lucky with veteran galloper Valedictum in tomorrow's Toorak Handicap over 1600m at Caulfield.

The eight-year-old will be having his third crack at the Group 1 feature after finishing ninth in the 2006 event and a close fifth last year.

O'Brien is confident of Valedictum running a big race after the gelding's barnstorming fifth to OrangeCounty in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) after jumping from barrier 17 at his last start.

"His form this preparation has been terrific and he has drawn a good gate this time. With luck in running he can figure right in the finish," O'Brien said.

Darren Gauci retains the ride and Valedictum will jump from barrier six – the same gate he did in last year's version of the race.

Valedictum's form this campaign has been very good with last start's result following on from a first-up third in the Bobbie Lewis (1200m) and fourth to Racing To Win in the Warwick Stakes (1400m) at Warwick Farm.

O'Brien has four runners in total at tomorrow's meeting with Caulfield Cup runner-up DouroValley gearing up for a tilt at the 2400m feature again with his final lead-up run in the Group 1 Yalumba Stakes (2000m).

"He has progressed very well from his last start in the Underwood and we expect a strong performance on the weekend to show us he is ready for another crack at the Caulfield Cup," O'Brien said.

Three-year-old colt Haka will kick-off the day for the stable in the first race, while quality mare Bold Moment has drawn barrier 18 in the final event on the program over 1200m.